Duiker's comprehensive, balanced history of the world in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries provides you with context for interpreting the events that you hear about in the news each day. You'll view history from the broader global perspective, while at the same time gaining insight into the distinct character of individual civilizations and regions. To ensure that you'll have a well-rounded understanding of the most decisive moments in recent times, Duiker integrates political, economic, social, and cultural history into a smoothly written narrative. The Fifth Edition text includes a special insert that guides you in using the text's many detailed maps and helps you learn how to make important connections between geography and the turn of historic events. Additional tools include timelines that highlight and contrast different cultures and nations--giving you an "at-a-glance," holistic perspective on eras and their defining events; photos from William Duiker's own collection for a closer, more personal look at the world we live in; and primary-source documents that illustrate and clarify key points.